Tiger still in the rough over car crash puzzle

Attempts by golfer Tiger Woods to draw a line under an early hours car crash that left him dazed and bloodied appeared to have failed today amid growing speculation over the circumstances leading up to the accident.

Yesterday the billionaire said the issue was a private matter and hit out at the “false, unfounded and malicious rumours” surrounding the incident.

Many have taken this to be a reference to an article printed in the National Enquirer prior to the crash claiming an involvement between the married sportsman and New York nightclub hostess Rachel Uchitel.

Any link has been denied by both parties. But US gossip websites have suggested that the report may have led to a domestic dispute between between Woods and his wife Elin Nordegren, 29, prior to the accident.

Attempts by Florida State Troopers to speak to Woods have been repeatedly thwarted, adding to the intrigue.

Officers have been trying since Friday to quiz Woods about how he came to crash his car into a fire hydrant and tree outside his luxury home in Isleworth, Florida.

A bloodied Woods, 33, was found in the early hours lying in the road with his wife, who police said used a golf club to smash out the back window and help get the golfer out.

The incident came amid the rumours about the star’s private life and prompted worldwide speculation about how he came to crash at such a time near his own home.

Woods released a statement on his website yesterday saying: “Although I understand there is curiosity, the many false, unfounded and malicious rumours that are currently circulating about my family and me are irresponsible.

“The only person responsible for the accident is me.

“My wife, Elin, acted courageously when she saw I was hurt and in trouble. She was the first person to help me. Any other assertion is absolutely false.”

He added: “This incident has been stressful and very difficult for Elin, our family and me. I appreciate all the concern and well wishes that we have received.

“But, I would also ask for some understanding that my family and I deserve some privacy no matter how intrusive some people can be.”

The mystery surrounding the incident has only increased by the golfer’s apparent reluctance to speak to police.

State troopers went to speak to the billionaire sportsman at his home yesterday but were told by the golfer’s lawyer that he was unavailable.

“Mr Woods’ attorney provided the troopers with Mr Woods’ driver’s licence information, registration and current proof of insurance as required by Florida law. The crash investigation is ongoing and charges are pending,” Florida Highway Patrol said.

Other such attempts to speak to Woods have likewise been blocked.

On the first occasion they were told he was sleeping and they agreed to return later. They were then told that the couple would not be available and yesterday’s meeting was agreed.

A further appointment has not been rescheduled.

Highway patrol spokesman Sgt Kim Montes has stressed Woods is not being treated differently to other drivers in similar situations.

Yesterday authorities also released a recording of the 911 call made by Woods’ neighbour following the crash.

The line between the emergency services and the unnamed man is poor but he can be heard saying: “I need an ambulance immediately, I have someone down in front of my house. He hit a pole.”

He adds: “A neighbour has hit a tree we come out here to see what was going on.”

The emergency operators attempt to find out whether the injured man is inside or outside the vehicle.

At one point the caller says: “It is a car accident, yes...They are lying on the ground.”

But the operators later ask if anyone can open the car doors.

A woman can be heard in the background asking urgently, “What happened?” and the caller sounds shocked and disorientated by the incident.

After the crash, Chief Daniel Saylor of the Windermere Police Department described what happened.

He said: “From what we understand, his wife came out of the house when she heard the accident, him hitting the fire hydrant, (and) used a golf club - that’s what we were told – to break out the rear window to gain entrance into the vehicle, removed him from the vehicle and laid him down in the street.

“He was in and out of consciousness with lacerations to his upper and lower lip, with a little bit of blood in his mouth, but he was conscious enough to be able to speak a little bit. According to my officers, it was not life-threatening injuries.”

Woods has been married to his wife for five years and they have two young children.